NJ brush fire along Palisades Interstate Parkway sends smoke into NYC
NEW JERSEY - Firefighters in New Jersey were stretched even thinner on Friday morning when another wildfire broke out along the Palisades Interstate Parkway, sending thick smoke across the Hudson River and into parts of New York City and Westchester County.
The blaze, covering approximately 39 acres, is only 30% contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
At least four wildfires are burning in the state, stretching from the Pinelands to the New York City suburbs.
Those fires, in Jackson, Glassboro and Evesham, were between 50% and 80% contained Friday.
While no structures have been damaged, the fire’s smoke has been visible for miles.
Due to the ongoing firefighting efforts, Henry Hudson Drive is closed until further notice, and one lane of the Palisades Interstate Parkway is shut down. Authorities are urging drivers to remain cautious in the affected areas.
New Jersey has not received measurable precipitation in over a month, the weather service said, setting a new record.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Associated Press wire services helped contribute to this report.